KC Royals: Predicting All-Star Selections — Outfield And Designated Hitter

May 12, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; A detailed view of a baseball glove and bat before the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Minnesota Twins at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Lorenzo Cain, Center Field

Apr 22, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain (6) takes batting practice before the game against the Minnesota Twins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2015 Stats

GP: 37

AB: 148

H: 46

AVG: .311

HR: 3

RBI: 19

R: 32

SB: 7

Slash: .311/.362/.439

Summary: Cain has had a great year, and is on pace for more than twice as many home runs as a season ago, and 22 more RBI. His outfield play picked up right where it left off this year after being named ALCS MVP last season.

Will he or won’t he?: Cain isn’t going to get to the All-Star game on offensive stats alone. There are just too many studs in the outfield. Three-time all-star and reigning MVP Mike Trout (.303, 11 HR, 23 RBI) will be selected, and Baltimore’s Adam Jones leads all AL center fielders in batting average (.329) and RBI (25), along with six home runs. Seattle’s Nelson Cruz, has a Major League leading 17 home runs already.

However, Cain has built a reputation as one of, if not the, best defensive center fielder in the game. He covers the field like no one else and is willing to sacrifice his body for the catch. There is a reason this was meme was created.

As good as Cain is, there just might be too much offensive power in the outfield for him to land a spot on the roster. Look for him to be possibly named as a replacement reserve should the need arise.

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